Appeal after girls ‘groped’ in Ilkeston

Police

A pervert who groped two teenage girls and a young woman in Ilkeston has sparked a manhunt — and led police to warn women to be on their guard.

The latest victim was a 17-year-old girl, who was touched ‘inappropriately’ between 8.10 am and 8.30am on Bath Street on Monday morning (March 24).

Investigating officers have issued a public alert and an appeal after similar offences in the town in recent weeks — one where a 21-year-old woman was targeted and another where a 15-year-old girl was groped.

The man officers are searching for is described as white, in his teens to early 20s, and with facial hair or stubble.

Sgt James Shinfield, leading the investigation, said: “These incidents are very unusual for the area and we want to hear from anyone who might have witnessed any or know the person responsible.”

He added: “Ilkeston is still a very safe place but we would urge women, particularly teenagers and young women, to be on their guard and if you see anything that doesn’t quite sit right, call the police.”

Police want anyone who saw the incident on Monday or has any information to come forward. The 17-year-old victim spotted a man following her as she walked towards Pimlico and after he touched her he ran off.

In the previous offences, the 21-year-old woman was walking along Millership Way at 8.30am on February 19 when she was attacked.

On Monday, March 3 at 4pm, the pervert’s youngest victim was walking along a footpath off Far Dales Road when she was groped by a man matching a similar description.